Mt. Lebanon student's challenge to graduation ban denied

A Mt. Lebanon High School senior who was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia -- but has not been convicted -- cannot walk with the rest of his graduating class.

An Allegheny County judge denied Mitchell Klemencic's request to stop the school from barring him from commencement ceremonies under its policy for non-school-related drug and alcohol violations.

Klemencic's lawyer said the 30-day prohibition went beyond the school district's authority to punish the student. The district's lawyer countered by saying that Klemencic isn't being deprived of an education.

The policy says "high standards of conduct and citizenship are essential for students," and participation in commencement and other extracurricular activities is considered a privilege, not a right.

A written statement from a school spokeswoman on Thursday said, "The district has consistently enforced this policy with all students. The high school administration informs students of the policy on multiple occasions in school. Students sign a statement that acknowledges that they read and understand the policies in the student handbook, which includes the policy on Non-School Related Drug and Alcohol Violations."

Klemencic, 18, was charged in connection with an incident that did not happen on school property. His case is pending.

Klemencic said he's disappointed that he can't walk with his class next month, but he won't appeal the decision by Judge Judith Friedman.

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